Lebanon says 11 killed in Israeli strikes as tensions rise in south The escalation in Southern Lebanon casts a shadow over upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome. Israel
Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump administration launches last-ditch effort to halt anti-Saudi bills The Donald Trump administration is briefing the Senate on Riyadh’s murder of Jamal Khashoggi in a last-ditch bid to kill a resolution intended to end US support for the Saudi coalition in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Congress amps up pressure to free Americans jailed in Egypt House lawmakers are demanding that the Donald Trump administration to take a firmer stance on Cairo’s human rights record. Egypt
Can observation posts calm Turkish-Kurdish tensions on Syria border? Observation posts will soon dot the Syrian-Turkish border to calm the tension between the US-allied People's Protection Units and Turkish forces. Syria
US floats idea of division in Yemen, Houthis torpedo plan US Defense Secretary James Mattis has proposed division and self-rule areas in Yemen to end the bloody civil war, but Houthis categorically reject the proposal. Yemen
USAID money diverted to Syrian terrorist group "Numerous instances" of diversion reported by US watchdog agency; US sanctions between Iraq and a hard place. Iraq
Congress to make determination on F-35s for Turkey Defense officials have handed lawmakers a congressionally mandated report assessing the impact of Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program. Turkey
Did PA receive Saudi reward for its support? Saudi Arabia has resumed aid to the Palestinian Authority in a surprising move that raises questions about the kingdom’s motives behind the decision. Saudi Arabia
Can Egypt afford to defy Trump in support of Gaza? Egypt is walking a tightrope as it tries to balance its support for Palestinians with its common interests with Washington and its security and economic ties to Israel. Saudi Arabia